Meaning of Exodus 12:38

Exodus 12:38 describes the heterogeneous nature of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, noting that "many other people" accompanied them, alongside their extensive livestock. This detail is crucial because it highlights that the Exodus was not solely an event for the blood descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but also for a mixed multitude who, through proximity, shared experience, or perhaps a burgeoning faith, chose to leave Egypt with the enslaved Israelites. This broader group included Egyptians who may have been convinced by the plagues, or who had formed relationships with the Israelites, as well as possibly other foreign laborers or residents in Egypt. The inclusion of "large droves of livestock" emphasizes the significant material wealth and the substantial nature of the community that was leaving, indicating they were not merely escaping but were departing as a prosperous, albeit newly liberated, people.

Context and Background

This verse immediately follows the institution of the Passover (Exodus 12:1-37), the final plague upon Egypt, and the Israelites' hurried departure. The Passover lamb, slain and eaten, symbolized God's judgment passing over the homes of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn while striking down the firstborn of Egypt. This climactic event served as the catalyst for Pharaoh's reluctant release of the Israelites. Exodus 12:38, therefore, situates the beginning of the journey out of Egypt, detailing who was actually present at this momentous exodus, not just the core Israelite tribes. The preceding verses describe the divine instructions for the Passover sacrifice and the subsequent command for the Israelites to leave.

Key Themes and Messages

• Inclusivity and Divine Providence: The presence of the "mixed multitude" suggests a broader scope of God's redemptive plan than initially might be assumed. God's salvation is not confined strictly to one lineage but extends to those who align themselves with His people.
• The Nature of Liberation: The Exodus was not just a spiritual or national liberation, but also a physical and economic one. The considerable livestock indicates that the Israelites were not departing as destitute refugees but as a people possessing significant assets, a testament to their years of labor and God's blessing even in servitude.
• The Foundation of a New Community: The departure from Egypt marks the genesis of the Israelite nation. The inclusion of non-Israelites in this foundational event foreshadows the eventual inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenantal people in later biblical history.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the transformative power of God's intervention. It demonstrates that God's deliverance is not merely for the chosen few but can encompass those who are on the periphery, drawn by the divine work they witness. For believers today, it underscores that God's grace is available to all who are willing to follow Him, regardless of their prior background or ethnicity. The departure from Egypt, with all its possessions, can be seen as a metaphor for leaving behind the bondage of sin and the world's systems, taking with us the blessings and resources God has provided for our new life in Him.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The "mixed multitude" (Hebrew: erev rav) reappears in later biblical texts. Numbers 11:4-10 describes them as a source of discontent and rebellion among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, craving the "food" of Egypt. This shows that their inclusion was not without its challenges and that integration into a new covenant community required a transformation of mindset and allegiance. The presence of this group also sets a precedent for the inclusion of Gentiles in God's people, a theme that becomes central in the New Testament with the spread of the Gospel beyond ethnic Israel.

Analogies

• A Refugee Camp with Local Sympathizers: Imagine a situation where a persecuted group is finally allowed to leave their oppressor's land. Alongside them, local citizens who have aided them or sympathize with their cause also choose to depart, abandoning their former lives to join the exodus.
• A Church Planting: When a new church is established, it's not just the core individuals who were instrumental in its founding who attend. People from various backgrounds, drawn by the message and community, also join, forming a diverse congregation.
• A Social Movement: A significant social or political liberation movement often attracts not only those directly oppressed but also allies and sympathizers from outside the directly affected group who are inspired by the cause.

Relation to Other Verses

• Numbers 11:4-10: As mentioned, this passage highlights the discontent of the "mixed multitude" in the wilderness, illustrating the difficulties of integrating diverse groups into a unified community under God's leadership.
• Nehemiah 13:3: The Book of Nehemiah records a later instance where the people specifically separated themselves from "all foreigners" after returning from exile, indicating a recurring tension and theological debate regarding the boundaries of the covenant community.
• Galatians 3:28: This New Testament verse, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus," echoes the principle of inclusivity first hinted at with the mixed multitude, suggesting a universal scope to God's redemptive plan in Christ. The inclusion of "other people" in the Exodus can be seen as an early, though imperfect, manifestation of this broader divine intent.